Teaching Philosophy & Experience
As an art educator, I believe that art has the power to drive inquiry, experimentation, self-expression, and community dialogue. My student-centered approach to curricula design and my commitment to fostering collaborative and inclusive environments encourage autonomy, communication, social-emotional and active learning, critical thinking, and lifelong art appreciation. I am dedicated to creating welcoming environments where all participants can meaningfully engage with art, connect with others, and exercise agency in their learning experiences. I specifically focus on developing, coordinating, and facilitating inclusive art-based programs for individuals with disabilities across museums, schools, and community organizations. I continuously seek opportunities for growth and professional development especially as learning strategies continue to evolve.
I have 10 years of experience as an art educator working in various museums, including my current role as a Learning Specialist at The Museum of Modern Art. I have held previous roles at the Children's Museum of the Arts, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, and worked within art studios, Sinergia's art program, NYC private and public schools, and District 75 schools. I have speciality training and experience in accessible and inclusive teaching. I have extensive experience programing for children with developmental disabilities, especially autism spectrum disorder, and ASL and ESL learners. I have developed public art programs at Pier 57 and Little Island in NYC. I am trained in visual literacy strategies from the Yale Center for British Art's "Summer Teacher Institute 2023." I am trained in inquiry-based learning, Universal Design for Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching, SEL and Visual Thinking Strategies teaching pedagogies. I have a B.A. with honors in both Studio Art and Psychology from Skidmore College.
Artist Statement
Painting allows me to materialize the dialectic between the optical and tactical senses; the act of painting is a physical and visual expression of my mind, body, soul, and touch. I create fast-paced, action paintings where each brush stroke and movement expresses emotion. I work intuitively, relying on my abstract sensibility and my connection to color. I focus on painting and drawing scenes from nature, whether they are full landscapes or abstracting the natural and amorphous form. I experiment with various media including wax, newspaper, and fabric, which affords me the freedom to explore a variety of textures.
My ceramic work molds the relationship between form and function. Each piece is manipulated to create new bodies that connect to nature, whether through shape, or glaze combination. The functional aspects of my pieces are meant to encourage the creation of stories and memories through individual or communal use (food, mementos, and/or junk drawer items).
I am motivated by art that demands individualized experiences. I strive to continue creating works that grow and evolve with my abilities and conceptual intent as an artist.
